Cats of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to bird flu. The first is the barn cat that drinks raw milk. There have been reports recently of 20 feral cats at a Washington state animal shelter that may have eaten infected birds, and there have also been deaths among cats that ate contaminated food from their homes.Although many animals become infected without the care of their owners or veterinarians, these animals show dangerous symptoms such as tremors, seizures and blindness.High mortality rates have been observed in infected cats. Their unique role in our homes and in the animal kingdom may put them, and us, at greater risk. Here's why.
Why do cats get the flu? Unlike many dogs, cats hunt and prey on small animals like birds and mice that can cause colds. Dr. Michael Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), said cats are “more likely” to get dengue fever.
"We don't know if cats are more susceptible than other people," he said. "They actually face a greater burden of disease because of where they go."Bird flu has been seen in domestic cats since 2004.But Christine Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, said the death toll from the virus in the United States now appears to be higher than the global average.Coleman, who tracks those deaths, said that in the past, about half of cats died, while now about 90 percent of cattle die.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats?
The AVMA advises pet owners to watch for symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy and fever. The flu can cause sudden neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, confusion or blindness.Cats can also develop severe depression, discharge from the eyes or nose and respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, sneezing or coughing.
If your cat is showing these symptoms and you think they may have bird flu (also known as H5N1), you should contact your veterinarian immediately.Infected animals can spread the flu to people through saliva, feces, and other body fluids. People can become infected by breathing in an infected person or by touching an object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.
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If you think your cat may have the flu or other potentially contagious illness, try to limit contact with other pets and household members, especially humans, while waiting for guidance from your veterinarian. The risk of cats transmitting H5N1 to humans is considered very low, but not zero.
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should monitor yourself and your family for flu-like symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any questions. Wash your hands after touching or cleaning your cat (e.g., in the litter box or on their bed).If you suspect your cat has the flu or another contagious disease, try to limit contact with other pets and household members (especially humans) while waiting for guidance from your veterinarian. The risk of cats transmitting the H5N1 virus to humans is considered very low, but not zero.
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should monitor yourself and your family for flu-like symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any questions. Wash your hands after touching or cleaning your cat (e.g. in the litter box or on their bed).
How can I protect my cats?
Indoor cats are less likely to get the flu, but people should be careful.
People should not feed cats raw foods, such as raw meat or skim milk, because these foods can contain bacteria. Feeding animals raw meat has always been popular, but the American Veterinary Medical Association prohibits people from feeding raw or contaminated food to cats and dogs. Cooking meat or pasteurizing milk can prevent the disease. Mice can also enter the home. Cats are good at controlling pests, but rodent infestations can be a threat to their health.
The AVMA says people should wash their hands after touching cats and after contact with wild birds, mammals or other animals. Anyone who has been in contact with or near a sick or dead animal should change their clothing, shoes and See More
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